OPERATING DEVICE FOR A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE FOR TOUCH-BASED AND TOUCH-FREE CAPACITY CHANGE SENSING, HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance with a user interface, which is designed to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance when operated by a user of the operating device. A capacitive sensing device for capacitively sensing the operation is formed on an underside of the user interface, the underside being formed opposite an upper side, which faces the user during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance with an operating device and to a method for operating an operating device.

[0002] A variety of control devices for operating a household appliance are already known from the prior art. In particular, various touch-sensitive control devices are known for this purpose, which can be installed in a control panel. Corresponding detection devices for detecting touch are located, in particular, on the electronics of the control device. Furthermore, removable control elements, such as a so-called "twist pad," are already known, particularly for recessed household appliances.

[0003] The prior art disclosed in DE 10 2014 223371 A1, DE 10 2014 200888 A1 and US 2018 / 217690 A1 is relevant to the present invention.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device, a household appliance and a method by means of which a household appliance can be operated in a highly functional manner.

[0005] This object is achieved by an operating device, a household appliance, and a method according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance with a user interface which is designed to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance when operated by a user of the operating device, wherein a capacitive detection device for capacitively detecting the operation is formed on an underside of the user interface, wherein the underside is formed opposite an upper side which faces the user during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device.

[0007] It is provided that the detection device is designed as a touch-sensitive detection device and is designed to detect the operation of the user by touching the upper side by the user on the basis of a touch-based capacitance change and is additionally designed to detect the operation of the user by an operating element of the operating device on the user interface operated by the user on the basis of a contactless capacitance change by the operating element.

[0008] This allows for two different types of operation. In particular, operation on the touch-sensitive detection device can be performed touch-based, for example, using the user's finger. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding operation can be performed using a control element that can be arranged on the user interface. This enables the user to operate the operating device in a highly functional manner. In particular, the user can decide in a personalized manner whether they wish to operate the household appliance using the control element in a touch-based or contactless manner.

[0009] In particular, this enables the construction of a robust operating device for use in a household appliance when using / evaluating capacitive sensing devices, which can also be referred to as touch sensors. This requires a stable and defined mechanical structure because the touch sensors are sensitive to material and / or distance tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, this minimizes mechanical tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, this allows the provision of a corresponding operating device with reduced variants. In particular, this enables a panel design, for example a switch front of the household appliance, which has a brand- and product-specific characteristic of the operating device, which can also be referred to as the user interface, or of the control panel, without complex hardware changes.Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the control elements are arranged both on the user interface, in particular "on-screen" so to speak, meaning operation takes place via or on the display, or also outside the display, so to speak "off-screen" - meaning individual buttons and sliders are located next to the display. In particular, it is thus provided that the user interface can also have a display device on which corresponding symbols or input options can be displayed.

[0010] Mechanical control elements, such as a rotary encoder, a program selector, or buttons, can be chosen as the control element, particularly without electrical breakouts. This allows for high flexibility and high electrical robustness, particularly with regard to EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Furthermore, the control elements are easy to clean and wear-free.

[0011] The user interface is preferably made of glass or polymethyl methacrylate. Polymethyl methacrylate can also be referred to as PMMA. These user interfaces are particularly easy to process. They are easy to manufacture, allowing for easy operation by the user. Furthermore, they allow for easy cleaning by the user, for example.

[0012] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the operating device has a microcontroller configured to generate a control signal for adjusting the operating condition depending on the detected capacitance change. The microcontroller can be, for example, a so-called "micro C logic." For this purpose, various circuits and electronic components can be configured within the microcontroller to enable appropriate evaluation and generation of the control signal.

[0013] Preferably, the microcontroller is configured to generate the control signal when the detected capacitance change exceeds the predetermined capacitance change threshold. In other words, the control signal and the setting of the operating condition are only implemented when the capacitance change threshold is exceeded. This allows for operation to occur, for example, in the event of an unintentional touch of the user interface. This enables reliable operation of the operating device.

[0014] Furthermore, the user interface is preferably designed without any openings. In other words, the user interface is provided without any openings or holes. This allows the electronics, in particular a foil sensor, to be better protected from environmental influences. Furthermore, the electronics are better protected against ESD (electrostatic discharge) and thus also exhibit electrical robustness, particularly with regard to electromagnetic compatibility. Furthermore, electrical clearance and creepage distances can be avoided, which also improves the protection of the operating device against ESD. Furthermore, the user interface is easier to clean for the user.

[0015] According to the invention, the capacitive sensing device is designed as a film sensor. In particular, the film sensor is a so-called two-dimensional film sensor. The film sensor is in particular a one-piece film sensor. In particular, the film sensor is thus arranged directly behind the user interface. The film sensor is in particular glued onto the user interface, i.e. the sensor is firmly connected to the user interface. The film sensor has the particular advantage that it can be manufactured, for example, using a roll-to-roll process (R2R process). In particular, the film sensor is designed to evaluate both the position and the setting of a mechanical operating element, for example an incremental encoder or program selector, as well as to carry out operation using the human finger itself.Thus, the film sensor is designed in particular as a touch-sensitive film sensor.

[0016] According to the invention, the film sensor has a diamond-like structure of sensing elements of the capacitive sensing device; in particular, the film sensor thus has a so-called diamond pattern. The diamond pattern enables, in particular, the detection of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance. In particular, a diamond pattern enables so-called multi-finger gesture recognition, which can also be referred to as "multi-touch" capability. Furthermore, this enables the simultaneous evaluation of various inputs. This makes it possible to record user operation in a simple yet reliable, highly functional manner.

[0017] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the film sensor has a large number of adjacent detection elements which are evaluated independently of one another by means of the capacitive detection device. In particular, this can provide a type of backgammon structure for the sensor. In particular, the detection elements thus have a structure which corresponds to a backgammon board. In particular, these detection elements have a corresponding backgammon geometry. This makes it possible to carry out a simple self-capacitance measurement. In particular, depending on the geometry, the backgammon structure or the large number of adjacent detection elements can be divided into so-called logical areas so that these can be evaluated independently of one another. This enables simple yet reliable detection of operation by the user.

[0018] According to the invention, the touch-sensitive detection device is designed as a touch-sensitive display device and the touch-sensitive detection device is designed to display at least one symbol and to detect the touch.

[0019] In other words, the capacitive sensing device or the touch-sensitive sensing device can be provided as a touchscreen. In other words, both the display of symbols and touch sensing can be performed with the touch-sensitive display device. For example, the corresponding operating condition can be set by the user touching the corresponding symbol.

[0020] Preferably, the film sensor can be designed to be larger than the touch-sensitive display device, in other words, than the touch-sensitive touchscreen. In particular, this makes it possible, for example, to arrange a further area next to the touch-sensitive display area (off-screen), on which the control element can be arranged, for example, for operation, without impairing the view of the touchscreen (on-screen).

[0021] In particular, this allows for an overlap of the operating area between the control element and the touchscreen, creating a highly functional operating device.

[0022] According to the invention, the control element is designed to be attached to and removed from the user interface without causing damage. This is particularly advantageous because the control element is not permanently attached to the operating device, but can be removed. Should the control element become defective, it can be easily replaced. For example, such a control element could be a so-called "twist pad." For this purpose, the control element could be mechanically locked to the user interface, yet still be removable.For example, the operating element can have electrodes, for example metal surfaces, which are arranged close to the operating surface so that they are connected to the touchable operating surface, so that a single electrode, for example in self-capacitance mode, or the electrode pattern in a mutual capacitance mode, which also provides, for example, multi-touch capability, generates a corresponding intensity pattern on the touch sensor when the operating element is touched / operated, which is evaluated by, for example, a microcontroller and converted into an operating operation, in particular into setting the operating condition.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the control element can be designed to be freely movable on the user interface. This enables, in particular, individual operation by the user. The user can freely move the control element on the user interface and select the location at which a corresponding operation can be performed. The foil sensor design, in particular, enables the user interface to be designed relatively large, allowing the user to operate the control device from different locations.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the operating element is magnetic, and the operating element is held to the user interface by means of a magnetic device of the operating device. In other words, the operating element can be magnetically fixed to the user interface. For this purpose, both the operating element and the user interface can have corresponding magnetic elements, so that corresponding fixation is possible. This enables, in particular, non-destructive attachment and removal of the operating element. Furthermore, the magnetic device can enable free movement of the operating element relative to the user interface. In particular, falling of the operating element, for example when the operating device is aligned vertically during its intended use, can be prevented.

[0025] According to the invention, the capacitive sensing device is designed to detect a self-capacitance and / or a mutual capacitance for detecting the change in capacitance. In other words, the capacitive sensing device is both self-capacitance and mutual capacitance capable. This enables the operating device to be operated in different ways. In particular, it enables reliable operation both by touch and without contact. Complex operating elements can be implemented, particularly with mutual capacitance sensing. In particular, different functions within the operating device or within the household appliance can be operated with one operating element. The electrical functionality of the operating element is thus largely decoupled, particularly from mechanical influences.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the capacitive sensing device is configured to detect a relative position of the operating element, and the at least one operating condition is set based on the detected position. In other words, the operating condition can be set based on the position relative to the user interface. For example, if the operating element is located on a first side of the user interface, for example, on the left side of the user interface, a first operating condition can be set. If the operating element is located on a second side of the user interface, for example, on the right side of the user interface, a second operating condition can be set.

[0027] In particular, in mutual capacitance mode, the intensity pattern measured by the detection device can be realized parallel to the user interface depending on the size and shape of the respective electrodes within the control element, allowing the absolute position, in particular the absolute angular position, of the control element to be determined. As already mentioned, the operating condition can then be adjusted based on this.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it has proven advantageous if the capacitive detection device is designed to detect a relative position of the operating element relative to the user interface, and at least one operating condition is set depending on the detected position. For example, in mutual capacitance mode, the detection device can detect a corresponding capacitance change depending on the measured intensity pattern and the distance of the electrodes from the user interface. In particular, this allows distance changes to be implemented, as with a keystroke, for example, a "tactile switch." By changing the distance from the user interface, a twist pad can also be used, for example. This allows a corresponding operating condition to be set, for example, when the twist pad is tilted relative to the user interface.This makes it highly functional to use different control elements and to adjust the different operating conditions of the household appliance in a highly functional manner.

[0029] According to the invention, the capacitive sensing device is designed to detect multi-finger gesture control. In particular, this makes it possible, for example, to set different operating conditions of the household appliance based on different finger gestures. For example, a first operating condition can be set by touching with two fingers, while a further operating condition can be set by touching with only one finger. Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that a "zoom out" movement can be used to select a higher-level menu of the operating device. Zooming in, in turn, can access a submenu.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the operating element has a plurality of electrodes that interact with the capacitive detection device, and based on this interaction, the contactless operation is detected. In particular, both the position of the operating element and the position of the operating element can thus be evaluated. The plurality of electrodes, which can be arranged, for example, in a ring shape within the operating element, enable a multitude of different settings to be made, which in turn can set a multitude of different operating conditions on the household appliance. Thus, a multitude of different operating conditions can be set using the single operating element. This allows the user to operate the operating device in a highly functional manner.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the capacitive sensing device is designed to simultaneously detect the touch-based capacitance change and the contactless capacitance change. In other words, it can be provided that the user touches the operating surface with their finger and sets an operating condition, while simultaneously setting a corresponding additional operating condition using the operating element, or can set the operating condition both by touch and by the operating element. This allows the operating device to be provided in a highly functional and user-friendly manner.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with an operating device, wherein the household appliance is, in particular, a cooking appliance according to the preceding aspect. For example, the cooking appliance can be designed as an oven or hob.

[0033] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the user interface is arranged horizontally and / or vertically on the household appliance during its intended use. In other words, the control device can be arranged both horizontally and vertically on the household appliance. This allows for a variety of possible uses for the control device.

[0034] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an operating device for a household appliance, in which at least one operating condition of the household appliance is set by means of a user interface when operated by a user of the operating device, wherein a capacitive detection device for capacitively detecting the operation is provided on an underside of the user interface, by means of which the operation is capacitively detected, wherein the underside is provided opposite an upper side, which faces the user during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device, so that the detection device is provided as a touch-sensitive detection device,and the user's operation is detected by a touch of the top side by the user on the basis of a touch-based capacitance change and, in addition, the user's operation by a control element of the control device operated by the user is detected on the basis of a contactless capacitance change by the control element.

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the operating device are considered advantageous embodiments of the household appliance and the method. The operating device and the household appliance have specific features that enable the implementation of the method or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

[0036] The terms "top", "bottom", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" etc. indicate the positions and orientations that apply when the control device or household appliance is used and arranged as intended.

[0037] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

[0038] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings.

[0039] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance; Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an operating device; Fig. 3 is a further schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the operating device; Fig. 4 is a further schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the operating device; Fig. 5 is a further schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the operating device; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an operating element; Fig. 7 is a further schematic view of an embodiment of the operating element according to Fig. 6 ; and Fig. 8 a further schematic view of the control element according to Fig. 6 and / or 7 in another view.

[0040] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance 1. The household appliance 1 is designed in the present embodiment in particular as a cooking appliance. In particular, the Fig. 1 that the household appliance 1 can be designed as an oven. Alternatively or additionally, the household appliance 1 can also be designed as a cooking hob, for example in a combination appliance.

[0042] The household appliance 1 has an operating device 2. In particular, Fig. 1 that the operating device 2 can have a user interface 3. When the household appliance 1 is used as intended, the user interface 3 is arranged in particular horizontally and / or vertically on the household appliance 1, in the present case horizontally.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows in a schematic exploded view an embodiment of the operating device 2. The operating device 2 has the user interface 3, which is designed to be operated by a user 14 (not shown) Fig. 4 ) of the operating device 2 to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance 1, wherein a capacitive detection device 5 for capacitively detecting the operation is formed on an underside 4 of the user interface 3, wherein the underside 4 of an upper side 6, which faces the user 14 during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device 2, is formed. It is provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed as a touch-sensitive detection device 5 and is designed to detect the operation of the user 14 by a touch of the upper side 6 by the user 14 on the basis of a touch-based capacitance change and is additionally designed to detect the operation of the user 14 by an operating element 7 of the operating device 2 operated by the user 14 on the user interface 6 of a contactless capacitance change by the operating element 7.

[0044] This allows for two different types of operation. In particular, for example, a finger of the user 14 can be used to perform a touch-based operation on the touch-sensitive detection device 5. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding operation can be performed using the operating element 7, which can be arranged on the user interface 3. This enables the operating device 2 to be operated by the user 14 in a highly functional manner. In particular, the user 14 can thus make a personalized decision as to whether they wish to operate the household appliance 1 using the operating element 7 in a touch-based or contactless manner.

[0045] In particular, this achieves the construction of a robust operating device 2 for use in a household appliance 1 when using / evaluating capacitive sensing devices 5, which can also be referred to as touch sensors. This requires a stable and defined mechanical structure because the touch sensor technology reacts sensitively to material and / or distance tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, this minimizes mechanical tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, this makes it possible to provide a corresponding operating device 2 with reduced variants. In particular, a panel design, for example a switch front of the household appliance 1, which has a brand- and product-specific characteristic of the operating device 2, which can also be referred to as a user interface, or of the control panel, can be enabled without complex hardware changes.Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the operating elements 7 are arranged both on the user interface 3, in particular "on-screen" so to speak, i.e., operation takes place via or on the display, or also outside the display, so to speak "off-screen" - i.e., individual buttons and sliders are located next to the display. In particular, it is thus provided that the user interface 3 can also have a display device 9 on which corresponding symbols 11 or input options can be displayed.

[0046] Mechanical control elements 7, such as a rotary encoder, a program selector, or keypads, can be selected as the control element 7, which, in particular, do not have any electrical openings. This allows for high flexibility and high electrical robustness, particularly with regard to EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Furthermore, the control elements 7 are easy to clean and wear-free.

[0047] In the present embodiment, six operating elements 7 are arranged on the user interface 3, in particular on the upper side 6. In particular, the Fig. 2 that different control elements 7 can be arranged on the top side 6. In particular, these can be so-called rotary switches, toggle switches, or push-button switches. In particular, the control element 7 can also be a so-called twist pad.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 In particular, the capacitive sensing device 5 is designed as a film sensor 8. In particular, it can be provided that the film sensor 8 is arranged as a two-dimensional film sensor directly behind the user interface 3. In particular, the film sensor 8 is glued directly onto the user interface 3, so that the film sensor 8 is firmly connected to the user interface 3. The film sensor 8 can be a film sensor 8 manufactured using the so-called roll-to-roll process.

[0049] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 In particular, the user interface 3 is made of glass or polymethyl methacrylate. In particular, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is also referred to as Plexiglas. In particular, this allows for the provision of a simple yet reliable user interface 3.

[0050] Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the capacitive sensing device 5 is designed to detect a self-capacitance and / or a mutual capacitance for detecting the change in capacitance. In other words, the capacitive sensing device 5 is both "self-capacitance" capable and "mutual capacitance" capable. This makes it possible to implement operation of the operating device 2 in different ways. In particular, this makes it possible to reliably operate both by touch and without contact. Complex operating elements 7 can be implemented, particularly with mutual capacitance detection. In particular, different functions within the operating device 2 or within the household appliance 1 can be operated with the one operating element 7. The electrical functionality of the operating element 7 is thus largely decoupled, in particular from mechanical influences.

[0051] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 in particular, that the touch-sensitive detection device 5 can also be designed as a touch-sensitive display device 9.

[0052] For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the touch-sensitive detection device has a display area 10. In particular, the display area 10 is also touch-sensitive. This makes it possible, for example, that at least one symbol 11 can be displayed on the display area 10. By touching the symbol 11, the operating condition can be set, for example. In particular, it can be provided that the film sensor 8 is larger than the display area 10. In particular, the operating element 7 can thus be provided next to the display area 10. This makes it possible for the operating device 2 to be operated accordingly not only via the display area 10 but also via the operating elements 7 next to the display area 10.

[0053] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating device 2 can have a microcontroller 12, which is designed to generate a control signal for setting the operating condition depending on the detected capacitance change. In particular, it can be provided that the microcontroller 12 is designed to generate the control signal when a predetermined capacitance change threshold value is exceeded by the detected capacitance change.

[0054] In a method for operating the operating device 2 for the household appliance 1, at least one operating condition of the household appliance 1 is set by means of the operating surface 3 when the user 14 operates the operating device 2, wherein the capacitive detection device 5 for capacitively detecting the operation is provided on the underside 4 of the operating surface 3, by means of which the operation is capacitively detected, wherein the underside 3 is provided opposite the upper side 6, which faces the user 14 during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device 2,wherein the detection device 5 is provided as a touch-sensitive detection device 5 and the operation of the user 14 is detected by a touch of the upper side 6 by the user 14 on the basis of a contactless capacitance change and, in addition, the operation of the user 14 by the operating element 7 of the operating device 2 operated by the user 14 is detected on the basis of the contactless capacitance change by the operating element 7.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows in a schematic perspective view an embodiment of the operating device 2. In particular, the Fig. 3 the film sensor 8. In the present exemplary embodiment, the film sensor 8 is designed in particular in a diamond-like manner. In other words, the film sensor 8 has a diamond-like structure of detection elements 13 of the capacitive detection device 5. The diamond-like structure allows, in particular, a self-capacitance measurement to be performed. The diamond-like structure can also be referred to as a diamond pattern. This enables, in particular, so-called multi-finger gesture recognition. In other words, different inputs can be evaluated simultaneously.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows in a further schematic view an embodiment of the operating device 2. In particular, Fig. 4 that the operating device 2 is designed so that the operating element 7 can be placed on and removed from the user interface 3 without causing any damage. In particular, the operating element 7 is magnetic, and the operating element 7 can be held on the user interface 3 by means of a magnetic device 15 of the operating device 2. In particular, the Fig. 4 furthermore, that the operating element 7 is designed to be freely movable on the operating surface 3.

[0057] Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to detect a relative position of the operating element 7 with respect to the user interface 3, and that at least one operating condition is set depending on the detected position. In particular, this can be carried out in the mutual capacitance measurement, in particular in the mutual capacitance mode, of the operating device 2. For this purpose, the intensity pattern measured by the detection device 5 can be measured depending on the size and shape of the electrodes 16 parallel to the user interface 3, whereby the absolute position, in particular the absolute angular position, of the operating element 7 can be determined. The operating condition of the household appliance 1 can then, in turn, be set depending on this.

[0058] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 The capacitive detection device 5 is configured to detect multi-finger gestures. In other words, the user interface 3 is configured to be multi-touch capable. For this purpose, the operating device 2 can, in particular, be configured in mutual capacitance mode. Touching or operating the operating element 7 generates a corresponding intensity pattern, which can be evaluated by the microcontroller 12 and converted into a corresponding operating operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 In particular, the user interface 3 is designed without any openings. In other words, the user interface 3 has no openings, so that the electronics behind the user interface 3 are protected from weather conditions.

[0060] In particular, it can further be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to simultaneously detect the touch-based capacitance change and the contactless capacitance change. In other words, hybrid operation can be implemented. In particular, operation can thus be realized both by means of the control element 7 and by the user 14 touching the display area 10.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows in a further schematic view an embodiment of the operating device 2. In particular, the Fig. 5 the user interface 3. In particular, Fig. 5 that the film sensor 8 has a plurality of adjacent detection elements 13, which are evaluated independently of each other by means of the capacitive detection device 5. In particular, the Fig. 5 that the foil sensor 8 can be designed with a so-called backgammon structure. In particular, the so-called backgammon structure is a structure of the foil sensor 8 which corresponds to a backgammon board. In particular, this allows for reliable detection of self-capacitance. This allows the user interface 3 to be divided into logical areas depending on the geometry, so that these logical areas can be evaluated independently of one another. Furthermore, the Fig. 5 The control element 7 is shown in dashed lines, which can have a plurality of electrodes 16. Depending on the respective electrodes 16, in particular depending on the respective position of the electrodes 16, a corresponding evaluation of the control signal can be carried out.

[0062] Fig. 6 bis 8 show a control element 7 in different variants or in different positions, whereby the different positions are executed by different movements B. The different movements B of the Fig. 6 bis 8 can be carried out individually or together, whereby different operating conditions can be set. In particular, Fig. 6 that the control element 7 can, for example, be rotated, whereby a corresponding operation or operating setting can be set. Fig. 7 shows that, for example, by touching a side area of ​​the control element 7, the control element 7 can be tilted, whereby an operating condition of the household appliance 3 can also be set. Fig. 8 shows that an operating condition can also be set by pressing the center of the control element 7. In particular, a push movement can be realized, for example.

[0063] In particular, it can be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to detect a relative position of the operating element 7 relative to the user interface 3, and at least one operating condition is set depending on the detected position. Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating element 7 has a plurality of electrodes 16 that interact with the capacitive detection device 5, and that the contactless operation is detected based on this interaction.

[0064] Overall, the Fig. 1 bis 8 an adaptive user interface. List of reference symbols

[0065] 1Household appliance 2Operating device 3User interface 4Bottom 5Capacitive detection device 6Top 7Control element 8Foil sensor 9Display device 10Display area 11Symbol 12Microcontroller 13Detection element 14User 15Magnetic device 16Electrode BMovement

Claims

1. Control device (2) for a household appliance (1), with a user interface (3), which is embodied to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1) when the control device (2) is controlled by a user (14), wherein a capacitive detection facility (5) for capacitively detecting the control is embodied on a lower side (4) of the user interface (3), wherein the lower side (4) is embodied opposite an upper side (6), which faces the user (14) during control and forms an exterior side of the control device (2), wherein the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied as a touch-sensitive detection facility (5) and is embodied to detect the control of the user (14) by the user (14) touching the upper side (3) on the basis of a touch-based change in capacitance and is additionally embodied to detect the control of the user (14) by a control element (7), of the control device (2), controlled by the user (14) on the user interface (3) on the basis of a contactless change in capacitance by the control element (7), wherein the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied as a foil sensor (8), wherein the foil sensor (8) has a diamond-type structure, namely diamond pattern of detection elements (13) of the capacitive detection facility (5) for detecting a self-capacitance and a counter capacitance, such that a multi finger gesture recognition can be provided in order to evaluate different inputs at the same time, and wherein the foil sensor (8) has a plurality of detection elements (13) arranged adjacent to one another, which are evaluated independently of one another by means of the capacitive detection facility (5), and wherein the touch-sensitive detection facility (5) is embodied as a touch-sensitive display facility (9), and is embodied to display at least one symbol (11) and to detect the contact, and wherein the control element (7) is embodied to be positioned on and removed from the user interface (3) in a non-destructive manner and / or the control element (7) is embodied to be moved in a freely movable manner on the user interface (3) and / or the user interface (3) is embodied to be recess-free, and wherein the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied to detect a multi finger gesture recognition.

2. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (7) is embodied to be magnetic and the control element (7) is held on the user interface (3) by means of a magnet facility (15) of the control device (2).

3. Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied to detect a self-capacitance and / or a counter capacitance in order to detect the change in capacitance.

4. Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied to detect a relative position of the control element (7) with respect to the user interface (3), and as a function of the detected position the at least one operating condition is set and / or the capacitive detection facility (5) is embodied to detect a relative position of the control element (7) with respect to the user interface (3) and the at least one operating condition is set as a function of the detected position.

5. Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (7) has a plurality of electrodes (13), which interact with the capacitive detection facility (5) and the contactless control is detected on the basis of this interaction.

6. Control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the capacitive detection facilty (5) is embodied to simultaneously detect the touch-based change in capacitance and the contactless change in capacitance.

7. Household appliance (1) with a control device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the household appliance (1) is in particular a cooking appliance.

8. Household appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the user interface (3) is arranged horizontally and / or vertically on the household appliance (1) when the household appliance (1) is used as intended.

9. Method for controlling a control device (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, in which by means of the user interface (3), at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1) is set when the control device (2) is controlled by the user (14), wherein the control of the user (14) is detected by the user (14) contacting the upper side (6) on the basis of a touch-based changed in capacitance and in addition the control of the user (14) by the control element (7) of the control device (2) controlled by the user (14) is detected by the control element (7) on the basis of a contactless change in capacitance.